Future looking bright for Waimate cyclist

Former St Kevin’s pupil Holly Edmondston returned from the Junior World Cycling championships in Seoul, South Korea, with a bronze medal around her neck.

Edmondston took part in the team’s 4km pursuit and the six-race omnium in which she placed third and fourth respectively.

In what was her first international venture as part of a New Zealand Cycling squad, Edmondston was stoked with her efforts.

“I’m really proud with how I went over there. It was awesome to be able to claim a medal, even though it was bronze, and I’m really happy with getting fourth in the omnium considering I had quite a bad crash.”

Looking back at the championship, a bronze was a great result, but at the time she said the team of Bryony Botha, Holly White, Nina Wollaston and herself were disappointed.

“We qualified ahead of Italy, but they made it through to the final because they beat us in the semi-final. We were a bit upset, because we knew we could beat them, but enjoyed the competition.”

The 17-year-old looked set for a podium finish in the omnium, but an accident dented her hopes.

“I was involved in crash, but managed to get up off the ground despite my leg being badly grazed and my helmet cracked and I managed fourth place.”

The experience of the meet was something Edmondston said she would not forget in a hurry.

“The lifestyle was just awesome. There were buffets for breakfast every morning and there were ice baths and spas. It’s how I’d love to live as a cyclist.”

Edmondston is from Waimate, along with Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dylan Kennett.

“I think it’s awesome for the town, that we are both from there. They always show their support to us and I always try to return when I can.”

Following a well-deserved week off to recover from her injuries, Edmondston will begin training for the Oceania track competition in Australia later this year.

“I’m aiming to be riding in that one as an elite woman, so hopefully I can gain clearance from that to compete,” she said.

By BRAYDEN LINDSAY

PHOTO: BRAYDEN LINDSAY

TALENT: Holly Edmondston shows off her bronze medal she won at the Junior World Track Cycling Championships in South Korea.